Ear Infections

One of the most common problems seen in the veterinary office is the ear infection. Common signs indicative of an ear infection include head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ears, and odor from the ears.

Several conditions exist the can initiate the inflammation within the ear canal. The most common cause of persistent ear infections is an allergic disease such as allergies to the environment or a food allergy. Chronic ear infections may be the only sign indicating a food allergy. A “food trial” may be recommended if this is suspected. The food trail is performed by feeding a “novel” protein diet to your dog or cat. A novel protein source is a protein not normally found in commercial pet foods such as duck, venison or rabbit. The diet is fed solely over 1-2 months while the ear is being treated for secondary infection. If the infection does not recur the diet is fed for life. Other less common initiating conditions include ear mites (more common in cats), foreign material in the ear canal (plant material, dirt, hair), and ear tumors or polyps (benign masses).

Several factors exist that can sustain and aggravate the inflammatory response within the ear canal. The most common perpetuating factors include bacterial and fungal infections with the ear. By performing an “ear smear”, the veterinarian can determine if these infections exist. This is simply accomplished by taking a sample from the ear with a Q-tip, placing the sample on a slide, and looking at the slide under the microscope.

Some bacterial infections within the ears can be difficult to clear due to the chronic nature of some infections and the use of multiple medications. In these instances a culture of the ear may be suggested. This procedure involves placing a sterile swab into the ear and sending it to the lab to culture the specific bacteria. Once the specific bacteria is found, the exact antibiotic that bacteria is susceptible to can be used. Another procedure that may be recommended for chronically infected ears is an ear flushing. The ear flushing involves placing the animal under sedation so the ear can be thoroughly cleaned and the tympanic membrane (ear drum) can be visualized. In painful ears this is sometimes the only way the tympanic membrane can be properly visualized. Occasionally the membrane is ruptured from the chronic inflammation/infection. This can lead to infection within the middle ear. If middle ear disease is suspected oral antibiotics are usually recommended.

Many times the underlying cause of the chronic ear disease cannot be found, and the goal is maintenance/control of the ears. The most important aspect of maintaining healthy ears is through 1-2X weekly cleaning with a veterinary approved ear cleaner. The proper cleaning technique involves filling the entire ear canal with the cleaner, gently rubbing the ear canal for a few minutes and gently wiping the cleaner from the canal with a cotton ball. It is important that the cleaner fill the ear canal so that the deep canal debris will loosen. The ears may periodically need medication but the frequency can be reduced with proper and consistent cleaning.